British Airways offering free one-way upgrades to first class

Passengers travelling on British Airways Club World on flights booked between 5 April and 14 June will be given the opportunity to avail a free one-way upgrade to first class. The offer cannot be used when booking online and is only available on British Airways flights booked via a travel agent or through a call with a BA customer service agent.

"Unsurprisingly, these upgrade offers are extremely popular with our customers", said Sara Dunham, BA head of marketing, retail and direct. "It's a really nice way for us to recognise our customers and give them something back as a thank-you for their booking and their loyalty."

The offer only applies to UK customers on select departures booked prior to 14 June. According to other conditions, outbound journeys must be made by 28 August and the return journeys need to be taken by 8 September.

Passengers availing the offer will be treated to all the luxuries of flying in first class –from fast-track immigration access to accessing the Concorde Room lounge. The first class also offers "sophisticated" cabin suites with "beds, personal blinds, a wardrobe, personalised service, complete with an a la carte menu, fine wines and champagne", said the airline, reported The Telegraph. A first class seat also comes with a 23-inch fixed screen with a fully-reclining seat to enjoy the in-flight entertainment in perfect comfort.

BA is set to announce changes to its economy fare structure that will apply to its short-haul services and will be starting April 2016. Under the new simplified structure, BA will offer three fare types: Hand Baggage only, With Checked Bag and Fully Flex. "Currently, if you want to change a flight, you pay £60 [€77, $86] plus the fare difference. Under the new rules, if you want to change days beforehand, there is no change fee, but you pay the fare difference and on the day you travel, there is no penalty if you want to come home on an earlier flight," said a source.